Liechtenstein Business Visa - Definitive Guide

To visit the principality of Liechtenstein for taking part in business-related activities such as trade fairs, meetings, and other MICE activities, you need a permit. Also known as the Liechtenstein Schengen tourist visa, this permit is issued for a duration of 90days in a 180-day period. It can be available as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple entries. However, people from other Schengen countries and from the visa-exempt nations do not need a permit to enter. Even though there is no airport in the country and that you will need to enter via road or rail, you still need a permit to enter. 

Due to the fact that there is no Liechtenstein embassy in India, visa handling is done by the Embassy of Switzerland in India. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to visit the country on a business trip. After this, you can make the application as follows - 

• Acquire all the documents required for the process. 
• Visit the website of the Switzerland Embassy in India and download the visa application form. Note that this form for this is the same as the general Schengen visa application form. You must simply state your reason for the visit as ‘business’.
• Fill in the application form online and then take a print out of it. 
• You must then book an appointment for the application submission at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this by going to the online portal of the respective VAC, or by calling them. 
• Visit the appointment centre with the documents, the duly filled and signed application form, and the visa fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Visa Information System (VIS) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you do not have to visit the VAC in person. Also, ensure that you submit genuine documents and correct information as providing wrong information and fake documents can lead to visa rejection.

To be successfully issued with the business permit, you must meet the following criteria. If you do not, you must apply for the type that is applicable to you. 

• You must be living in the country you are making the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the authority there.
• You must possess a valid passport. 
• Your primary purpose of the visit must be to take part in business-related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Liechtenstein is your primary destination, or
  2. Liechtenstein is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here. In all other cases, you must apply to the country that is apt for your visit.

Based on the requirements, the following are the list of documents you will have to provide. 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must have at least 2 blank pages.
  2. Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter from the sending company - 
  1. This should include the visitor’s basic details.
  2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  3. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  4. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland.
• Invitation letter from the Liechtensteinian organisation/company stating complete details of the visit, or entry tickets to trade fairs, conferences, etc
• Travel itinerary/documents - 
  1. Detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight tickets
  3. Proof of accommodation 
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Prescription glasses only
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken for the processing of the business permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, validity, the volume of applications at the embassy, your previous travel history, and so on. In normal cases, it is processed in about 15 working days. In certain cases, this can take much longer. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. 

The fees for this visa is dependent on the entry type, the biometric charges, as well as any service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

After successful submission of the application, it is then sent to the embassy of Switzerland for processing. Even if you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is solely done by the embassy. The VAC has no control over the processing. If it has been accepted, you can collect the visa directly from the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge.

While you await a response, you can check the status of your application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-PassportTracking  and entering your reference number and date of birth. You can also opt for SMS notifications by the VAC, or you can ask the travel agency to check it on your behalf.

When you receive this visa, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant trip - 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. Your visit and stay must be in accordance with this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Liechtenstein within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned on the sticker. Beyond this date, you will not be allowed to travel as the permit will become invalid.
• While you are travelling within Liechtenstein, carry a copy of your travel documents on you. 
• While you are on a business visa, you cannot work or take part in work. However, you are allowed to engage in other activities that fall under the general Schengen short term category such as tourism, take up voluntary charity work, etc.
• You will not be able to extend the business permit in normal cases.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with this.